Saturday, February 9, 2013

Bills' 2013 Offseason Primer: Changes aplenty

BY CHRIS TRAPASSO

In 2012, the Buffalo Bills fell drastically short of heightened expectations that came after the $100 million free-agent signing of defensive end Mario Williams.

Running back C.J. Spiller emerged as a legitimate superstar, but head coach Chan Gailey illogically failed to utilize the electric runner properly. Ryan Fitzpatrick's play was sporadic, and the defense as a whole significantly disappointed. (photo: Doug Kerr, Flickr)

- Ryan Fitzpatrick could be on the 2013 roster (after a contractual restructure), but he is the not quarterback of the future. The Bills have never taken a signal-caller with their first pick in any draft, and this may be the year that changes. After dealing with Fitzpatrick's physical shortcomings for three years, Buffalo desperately needs a young quarterback with upside who possesses premier natural talent. (Draft possibilities: Geno Smith, Ryan Nassib, Matt Barkley, Zac Dysert, Tyler Wilson, Mike Glennon)

- The soon-to-be 32-year-old Nick Barnett is not capable of being an impactful weakside linebacker, and Kelvin Sheppard has been far from effective as the middle linebacker in Buffalo's 4-3 in his two professional seasons. The Bills need a rangy weakside backer who excels in coverage and doesn't get devoured on running plays, and they could potentially look for a inside backer to replace Sheppard—someone with better instincts and ability to consistently shed blockers. (Draft possibilities: Arthur Brown, Khaseem Greene, Alec Ogletree, Kevin Reddick, Kevin Minter, Manti Te'o, Gerald Hodges, Vince Williams)